Reviews of Ongava Tented Camp
(93%) From 146 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Wonderful game drives
After the Desert Rhino Camp, Ongava seemed a little more formal and, although small, guest dining was not communal which perhaps added to this perception of formality. Service and food were of a high standard (again no problem about my food intolerances) and the staff were very welcoming and helpful. The Tents were very well set up and equipped and it was a luxury to be able to catch up with the world after a few days without internet.
We were delighted to learn that Jason, our guide, had been trained by Enos (from Hoodia Lodge) so we knew we were in very good hands. We had three excellent game drives with Jason, two in the Ongava reserve and one in Etosha and in each drive Jason managed to lead us to lions, elephants and rhino (black and white).
One of the highlights of staying here is the waterhole so close to the communal areas so you see elephant, giraffe, white rhinos, and various buck at all times of the day and night.
Comfortable tents - very close to animals
Exciting to be in the bush, surrounded by wildlife. To hear the lions, we'd seen at the waterhole, roaring during the night as they wandered the camp was thrilling! We also saw a group of 9 white rhinos up very close several times as well as many lions.
A good guide, prepared to listen to what we wanted to see - he spent 3 hours trying to find us elephants but failed. Later that evening an enormous bull silently appeared at the waterhole while we were having supper. Just brilliant!
Dining/lounge area/pool overlooking waterhole
I was amazed to see giraffe at the water hole right in front of the reception area when we arrived. A variety of animals drank there during the day.
The large dining area overlooked the water hole but otherwise it didn't have much character. It was set out with separate tables and felt like a cafeteria.
The accommodation was fine.
We stayed at the camp for access to the Etosha National Park, which was like the Kruger National Park, where you had to stay on the road to see the animals, apart from two areas where there were large water holes. There were lots of animals there, and also lots of vehicles. Since our return home we have spoken to a number of friends who have been to Etosha and all of them were disappointed with their experience there, saying that it was a bit like a UK safari park.
The camp was situated in, or had access to, a large reserve with plenty of animals, and there our guide could drive wherever he wished. The scenery there was stunning, with long golden grass, trees and wild flowers, and with dark mountains in the background.
Ongava Tented Camp review
A good camp and one of the best guides of the trip.
The trip to Etosha wasn't as good as the drives we had around the reserve. Etosha we thought was rather overrated.
Ongava Tented Camp
Ongava Tented Camp has a lovely traditional feel with comfortable tents and wonderful views over the busy waterhole.
We spent all but one of our drives in Ongava's private reserve to avoid the big roads and busy waterholes of Etosha. The wildlife in Ongava was plentiful and varied with fantastic sightings of White Rhino with young, including a baby only days old.
We had to drive away quickly from an angry Black Rhino and spent time with 3 prides of lions.
It was interesting to see lots of birds for the only time on the trip including several Kori Bustard.
Ongava Tented Camp review
Overall a very enjoyable visit, with some exciting drives and overall very high quality tents.
Highlights: walking up to three rhinos and having the waterhole visited late in the evening by a black rhino!
Comment: my wife very much disliked the use of margarine in various dishes - surely, butter is better!
Ongava Tented Camp
Excellent guiding by Michael, he made every effort to ensure the game drives were most enjoyable and interesting.
I paticularly liked tracking the white Rhinos on foot. The sightings everyday were plentiful.
The waterhole in front of the camp is entertaining all day (and even at night with Rhinos coming to drink).
Ongava Reserve has a lot to offer but the camp itself in my opinion could improve on their level of attention to details. I would have much preferred a verbal "knock knock" than a phone call for wake up. I found the management service level and attitude rather impersonal.
Ongava Tented Camp review
Our first game drive was into Etosha and the second one was on the reserve. We preferred the reserve drives because animals were not surrounded by cars.
On the reserve we saw lions and white rhino which were spectacular. Again, we could walk a short distance to the rhino, which is not possible in Etosha.
On the best waterholes, with regular visitors, including rhino!
Another amazing wildlife encounter at Ongava
Our stay here was most memorable. On our afternoon safari we headed off into the bush and saw several giraffes, then proceeded to a spot where a pride of lions had killed a giraffe. Three of them had obviously had their fill and were lolling around, while the other 5, including twin cubs, where supping on the giraffe. As the lions were gainfully occupied we were able to get quite close to them to observe them.
Off we set for our sundowner, and then a bush dinner to watch the eclipse. As we arrived in the dark, at the location for our dinner, we were immediately struck by the effort staff had gone to to set up tables with white cloths, wine glasses, candles, warming fires, and yet more candles in paper bags to circle the dinner site, and we thought wow. Then the lights of our safari vehicle highlighted the two lions sitting on the banks of the dinner arena watching the proceedings! We had a short delay while staff shooed the lions away - we hoped. Next day we found out that there were actually 12 lions and of course the staff were keeping a very close eye on those lions.
Next morning our drive seemed quite mundane in comparison as we 'only' saw white rhinoceros and a few giraffes! Unfortunately we missed out on the opportunity to walk with the rhinoceros.
It is great when the guide, as our guide did here, talk to you, only when they have stopped the vehicle.
Our welcome here was warm and as we had had lunch we were offered a fruit platter. We can't remember breakfast as we were too busy watching the animals around the waterhole.
